This book is organized to examine the major subjects taught in American politics through the lens of twenty-five hot button issues affecting American politics and policy today. These key issues reflect the ideas, principles, concerns, fears, morals, and hopes of the American people. The authors argue that these issues are the heart and soul of the American political system, serving as the basis for the disagreements that drive citizens, public servants, and elected officials into action.
Features of this Innovative Text
- Examines 25 issues in light of the 2016 presidential election and beyond.
- Up-to-date chapters reflect important developments in the arenas of money and politics, immigration, health care, race relations and civil rights, gun control, and gay rights in particular.
- Includes international coverage with recent and ongoing events surrounding Iran, Syria, Israel and Palestine, and China.
- A chapter on Russia puts recent developments in Syria, Ukraine, Crimea, and the "near abroad" in context with US foreign policy.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1 – Terrorism and Homeland Security
Chapter 2 – The Middle Class and the American Dream
Chapter 3 – Global Warming and Climate Change
Chapter 4 – Health Care and Health Care Reform
Chapter 5 – Immigration and Immigration Politics
Chapter 6 – Taxing and Spending
Chapter 7 – Social Security and Medicare
Chapter 8 – Race Relations and Racial Politics
Chapter 9 – Reforming Education
Chapter 10 – Abortion Rights
Chapter 11 – Gun Rights
Chapter 12 – Gay Rights
Chapter 13 –Capital Punishment
Chapter 14 – Money and Politics
Chapter 15 – Religion and Politics
Chapter 16 –Science and Politics
Chapter 17 – The Drug War
Chapter 18 – Energy and Energy Conservation
Chapter 19 – Poverty, Inequality and Social Welfare
Chapter 20 – National Defense
Chapter 21 – China
Chapter 22 – Iran
Chapter 23 – Russia
Chapter 24 – Conflicts in the Middle East
Chapter 25 – Globalization and Trade
Conclusion
